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Ampthill club statement: Paul Turner and Dragons
By Liam Heagney
English Championship club Ampthill have issued a statement in the wake of the announcement in Wales that head coach Paul Turner is to take up a consultancy role with Dragons, the URC region.
Rather than the link being of concern to the second-tier club, who are currently third in their league after two wins in their opening three matches, Ampthill have given 63-year-old ex-Wales international Turner their blessing to take up the consultancy as well as continuing as head coach with the Bedfordshire outfit.
A statement read: “The club would like to congratulate head coach Paul Turner on his appointment to a part-time consultancy role with Dragons RFC.”
Director of rugby Mark Lavery added: “Paul is highly respected in the game in England and Wales, and it is no surprise that a club of Dragons’ stature and their new board would want input from him in developing their player recruitment, scouting links and pathway systems.
“This appointment compliments his role as Ampthill's head coach and we wish him every success.”
Under head coach Dai Flanagan, Dragons have endured an underwhelming start to their new URC season, losing all four matches so far and their two-point haul has them in 15th place, 13 points behind the Bulls, the campaign’s early front runners.
Dragons host the Ospreys in Newport next Saturday while Ampthill’s next Championship fixture is the previous night away to London Scottish. It was 12 years ago when Turner was last involved at the Dragons, exiting as head coach in 2011.
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Latest Comments
Always proud of the effort, Sam. The All blacks never stop fighting, never just roll over. He didn’t get anywhere near the respect he earned, but that’s due to results, not commitment to the cause. Have fun dominating in Japan!
Go to commentsNot sure why Papali’i thinks Scott Robertson needs his help to select the next All Black Captain. In my view, Papali’i would be well advised to have a good hard look at his own game, and to reflect on how fortunate he is to even wear the black jersey. Rather than shouting at his team mates at every set piece, standing in the mid-field pointing and holding his arms out and flopping to the ground at the back of every second or third ruck, may I suggest he would be far better employed actually doing something on the field. Seriously, watch him for 10 minutes during a game - not much happens. When was the last time he was first to a breakdown, or actually made a turnover? If Robertson is half the Coach I think he is, Papali’i will not be anywhere near the AB’s this season.
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